Introduction
Aberdare Park is a well-preserved Victorian public park which is registered Grade II* on the CADW-ICOMOS Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales.
Aberdare Park is a well-preserved Victorian public park, partly laid out by the eminent park and garden designer William Barron. As well as retaining most of its Victorian-built features, such as a bandstand and fountain, it has an attractive lake. Many of the original trees are now mature specimens.
The landscaping and planting of the park was carried out by William Barron (1805-1891) a nurseryman who laid out many public parks in England from 1860 onwards.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Access contact details
This is a municipal park for general public use.
Owners
Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council
Rock Grounds, High Street, Aberdare, CF44 7AE
- History
The park was laid out on part of Hirwaun common on the instigation of R.H. Rhys, chair of the local board of health. In 1863, he informed the board that the 'Pleasure Grounds' of nearly fifty acres (20ha) would soon be given to the overseers of the parish so that a pleasant place for the inhabitants of Aberdare could be constructed.
The park opened on July 27, 1869 and in 1870, the local board of health borrowed £5,000 to wall, drain and plant the park.
- Associated People
- Features & Designations
Designations
CADW Register of Landscapes Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales
- Reference: bandstand
- Grade: II
CADW Register of Landscapes Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales
- Reference: industry fountain
- Grade: II
CADW Register of Landscapes Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales
- Reference: PGW(Gm)2(RCT)
- Grade: II*
CADW Register of Listed Buildings in Wales
- Reference: fountain
- Grade: II
CADW Register of Listed Buildings in Wales
- Reference: gated entries
- Grade: II
CADW Register of Listed Buildings in Wales
- Reference: Lord Merthyr statue
- Grade: II
Features
- Gate
- Description: Gated entries.
- Statue
- Description: Lord Merthyr statue
- Fountain
- Bandstand
- Pond
- Pavilion
- Bowling Green
- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Recreational/sport
Principal Building
Parks, Gardens And Urban Spaces
Survival
Part: standing remains
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Aberdare
- References
References
- CADW, {Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Glamorgan} (Cardiff: CADW, 2000, 132) Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Glamorgan
- {Aberdare Park Restoration Plan} (1997) Aberdare Park Restoration Plan
- LDA Design {Aberdare Park Feasibility Study} Aberdare Park Feasibility Study